Franken basks in July Fourth congrats

CHISHOLM, Minn., July 5 (UPI) -- Residents of northern Minnesota's Iron Range say they know Democrat Al Franken, waiting to be sworn in as Minnesota's new U.S. senator, will do well in the job.

Franken spent July Fourth marching in parades in small towns in one of the state's staunchest Democratic Party strongholds, accepting congratulations and shouts of "Attaboy!" and "Finally!" the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

The warm welcome came after Franken was declared the winner last week of November's Senate election against incumbent Republican Norm Coleman.

"You do a good job in Washington, and we'll vote for you a couple hundred more times!" quipped resident Mike Meholenski in Chisholm, Minn.

"You'll do good out there -- I know you will," added Jeanne Olson of Virginia, Minn.

Other residents in such Iron Range towns as Eveleth, Nashwauk, Keewatin and Gilbert greeted the former "Saturday Night Live" writer and cast member like a rock star, the newspaper said.

Franken will be sworn in Tuesday in Washington. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and former Vice President Walter Mondale will walk Franken into the Senate chamber, and Vice President Joe Biden will officially swear him into office, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.